The Patriots opted not to place Gronkowski on the physically unable to perform list, a sign they believed the dynamic tight end could help the team before Week 6. Gronkowski -- who underwent surgery on his back and arm in the offseason -- has been practicing with teammates for the past two weeks.

You can safely assume the Patriots won't put their most prized offensive possession not named Brady on the field unless they're nearly certain he won't suffer a setback. Gronk is going to return, most likely before the end of September.